FACING THE HORDES – LIFE ON HADRIAN’S WALL
Built in the second century AD, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most significant historical and archaeological sites in Britain. Much of it is still visible two millennia later. But its existence raises fascinating questions.
Why did the Romans build a Wall half way up the island of Great Britain? Why not just conquer the whole place? Who did the work, when and in a world without machines how? What was its actual purpose? How did it look when it was new and what happened along this frontier, the most remote in the Empire, over its 300 years of active existence?
I am an experienced tour guide on the Wall and I have the answers. Let me take your group on a journey of exploration through its history. Here is what others have said:
“Peter is a master teacher and guide. He is both extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Romans in Britain.” (Visitor from Portland, Oregon, 2019).
“He was a terrific source of information; his passion for the history was engaging and inspiring to our whole crew- the history teacher you wish you’d had!” (Visitor from California, 2019).
“Peter is so knowledgeable, he really brought the history of the Wall to life … Would not hesitate to recommend Peter, in fact I already have!” (Nikki, Oxford, 2018).
Views: 1062 | Enquiries: 4Living in the northeast of England, I've taught History in secondary schools for 25 years. For the past five years I've been a tour guide on Hadrian’s Wall. As a result of positive recommendations, I'm featured in Rick Steves’ travel guide to England. On Rick’s website a visitor from Arizona in 2020 said:
“Peter is both knowledgeable and charming. I learned so much in such a relaxed and pleasant way. I can highly recommend him”.
I have a 100% “excellent” set of reviews on Trip Adviser, which awarded me a Travellers’ Choice Award in 2020. I'm also a “friend” of Vindolanda. As a result of COVID-19 I've delivered talks on Zoom to u3a groups in England and Scotland, responses to which include:
“That was really interesting. I have just had some emails come in from members saying how much they enjoyed it” and
“What a fascinating talk this evening, I did enjoy it”.
I have a passion for history, and especially for Roman Britain. My depth of knowledge and ability as a communicator has fascinated visitors to the Wall and to other sites in the northeast as these reviews on Trip Adviser confirm:
“Peter was most gracious, super historian and story teller” (visitor to Durham Cathedral, December 2019).
“We had a very special day with Peter. As well as being incredibly knowledgeable, he is also a fantastic story-teller” (visitor from Leeds to Hadrian’s Wall, May 2021).
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